Gerald Genta is a name that gives most watch enthusiasts shivers down their spine. Responsible for a myriad of designs that we like to call iconic, ground-breaking, stunning, timeless, etc, Genta could probably be called the godfather of modern watch-design. He is famously known for the Royal Oak and the Nautilus (designs that have influenced many sports watches today…), but Genta’s impact goes far beyond these icons. Many brands are able to claim Genta as their own, including several of his very own brands, but few have been able bring out some of his more obscure designs.
The Basics:
Brand: Gerald Genta
Model: Oursin Fire Opal
Case Material: Yellow Gold
Case Size: 36.5mm
Water Resistance: 30 meters
Movement: Automatic, GG-005
Movement Specs: Hours and Minutes, Automatic Winding
Strap Options: Black alligator leather strap
The Juice:
The original Oursin was designed over 30 years ago in Corsica whilst Genta was observing sea-urchins (Oursin in French) on his summer vacation. Fast forward to the present and Gerald Genta in partnership with La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton, re-introduced it to the world in the form of the Gentissima Oursin. In 2025, they’re back again with a fourth variant. Let’s see what it’s all about…
The case is probably what makes this watch so special. Completely covered in 137 fire opal gems, each one individually screwed into the case with a gold pins, the vibrant tones really give you the impression that this is an actualy sea-urchin. At 36.5mm in diameter, this could be the only watch that is a 1:1 replica of what it is trying to emulate. The Gentissima Oursin is a perfectly circular watch, making it very easy to wear on all wrist sizes. The body of the case is made of out yellow gold whihc gives it a beautifully warm undertone and a fabulous weight- you can really feel the work that has gone into it.
The orange cornelian dial is super-understated which its minimalistic indices and multi-faceted shape. The small yet powerfully placed yellow gold dot indices meld into the points on the case, almost giving the impression that they are meant to be one piece. The facets make the light dart around playfully, making the fire opals glimmer and shine- this is a perfect match.
Getting into the details now with the movement, the Gentissima Oursin Fire Opal is powered by the GG-005 calibre. The GG-005 is in fact a modified Zenith Elite calibre, courtesy of La Fabrique du Temps LV. This means that it is beautifully finished and optimised for super-perfomance. Equipped with a 50 hour power-reserve, this is a relatively functional piece compared to many other watches in this class.
Obviously, a piece like this comes on a gorgeous strap and the team at Gerald Genta have gone for a classy black alligator leather strap that is reminiscent of Genta’s early career. It fits the design and looks pretty good to boot.
The Gentissima Oursin Fire Opal from Gerald Genta and La Fabrique du Temps LV is fabulous example of how iconic designers and designs can be kept alive almost timelessly. This is not just a replica or a modernised version, but a veritable projection of Genta’s original design into the future.
How much will the Gerald genta Gentissima Oursin Fire Opal cost?
The Gerald Genta Gentissima Oursin Opal Fire will be available starting in May 2025 through La Fabrique du Temps Louis Vuitton. More information will be available on their website here.